1 year down!

This time last year I was fighting the biggest battle of my life after suffering a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection and Heart Attack. My heart was broken, my family were hurting but with some fantastic medical care, careful healing and plenty of prayers, I am here.

The day has been a little emotional but I am pleased to say it hasn’t consumed my day. I enjoyed a sleep in, received a very touching message from a dear friend, a hot cup of tea, supervised the kid’s online school, baked bread and butter chicken before I made a phone call to my Cardiologists office (more on that later), a long facetime chat with my mum and a day spent with my family.

I made the decision fairly early in the morning that I wanted to call the Cardiologists and acknowledge their part in today – it was another healing process. The receptionist was very surprised that I had made a call – I explained why I was calling and asked her to please pass on a message to both my Cardiologists, the one who initially saved my life and the one who kept me going after surgery. I thanked both of them and also the amazing medical team at the hospital. I am very aware of the part these amazing professionals played in my surviving. My phone was on silent and I was very happy to receive a voice message from Dr Katripati expressing his gratitude for my call.

As I sit and reflect on the last 12 months so much has happened and changed. I have turned 43, I have grown as a person, learnt to respect my body and it’s new ‘normal,’ become more aware of my surroundings and what is important and not. I have grown to appreciate and adore my family and close friends with a fierce love that sometimes overwhelms me.

My health is a priority that I don’t take for granted. I am aware of every twinge or ache that radiates from chest and heart sometimes. I listen to it, I let my body rest when needed and I although I have a strong urge to sometimes try and push it a little harder – I don’t.

My goals for the next 12 months, keep writing, keep learning, keep growing, educate and push for other’s to be their own advocate when it comes to their health, share my experience with anybody and everybody who will listen, to be a better mumma, a better wife, a better daughter, a better granddaughter and a better friend, to work on my compassion and learn something new.

The last twelve months saw Team Mulligan fight one of it’s biggest battles and whilst we battled and were able to come out the other side with good health and an ending that saw our family together, it is also important to recognise those that have seen their darkest days and said goodbye to loved ones during this time. We have two dear friends who have suffered immense pain with losing their loved one during the last twelve months from heart-related conditions and it is important that they know that there is not a day goes by where our thoughts are not with them, not a day when we are grateful or celebrating a milestone that our hearts ache for them.

I want to thank those that are near, dear and far for the beautiful and unwavering support you have shown our family this year. The ones that continue to send messages, ask questions and generally just to check-in – we appreciate it so very much.

Much love, stay safe, stay healthy and follow the journey,